Vege Rama

Overview

It's a workday. You're rushing from one meeting to another, the Blackberry won't stop bleeping at you, the morning's caffeine fix is wearing off, and then you feel it: that familiar rumble in the stomach. Lunchtime has arrived.

If your ability to plan ahead has failed you and you haven't brought your lunch with you, it's time to decide what's your going to put in your belly. To achieve the holy trinity of lunch, you need to find something that is healthy, delicious and affordable. And if you're in the Brisbane CBD, you're in luck.

There has been a lot of noise in recent years about the health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets. Vege Rama (which earned a place in our Five Best Vegetarian Cafes in Brisbane) is committed to the health of people and the planet, serving up a smorgasbord of plant-based dishes, ranging from nutrient-packed salads to nourishing curries.  The 100% vegan café is located at Post Office Square (there is also a 100% vegetarian café located in the Myer Centre food court) – and it is 100% delicious.

There are a few mainstays on the hot food menu – think enchiladas ($9), lasagna ($9) and dahl with rice ($5) – but the rest of the hot dishes vary from day to day. Inspired by cuisines such as Indian, Thai, Italian and Greek, options on offer may include veggie korma, split pea soup, spinach and mushroom pasta bake, satay vegetables or Thai pumpkin curry. Keep an eye on the Vege Rama Facebook page to find out what's cooking each day.

Salad lovers will also be in heaven, with a range including mustard & dill, pad Thai noodles, chickpea pesto, falafel, and Moroccan quinoa. And for healthy food masquerading as dessert, who can go past a slice of vegan cheesecake?

Best of all, most meals will cost you $10 or under. So there you have it: healthy, delicious and affordable. This could very well be Brisbane's best workday lunch.